Parts for your 2009 Nissan Pathfinder-Thrust bearing

2009 Nissan Pathfinder thrust-bearing: what’s fitted and what to service

Technical documentation confirms that a thrust-bearing is relevant on manual-transmission 2009 Nissan Pathfinder (R51) models, but not on automatics. The Nissan R51 Factory Service Manual (CL – Clutch section) shows the clutch release (thrust) bearing as part of a concentric slave cylinder (CSC) assembly on the 6‑speed manual, while the Automatic Transmission (RE5R05A) uses a torque converter and has no clutch release/thrust bearing. The Engine Mechanical section (EM) also identifies crankshaft thrust surfaces integrated into the main bearings, but these are internal engine components, not routine service items. Nissan FAST parts listings likewise show the CSC/release bearing assembly for manual variants. So: manual R51s have a clutch thrust/release bearing, automatics do not.

For owners of 2009 Pathfinder manuals, the thrust-bearing (often called the clutch release bearing) sits around the gearbox input shaft inside the bellhousing. Its job is simple but crucial: when the clutch pedal is pressed, the hydraulic CSC pushes the thrust-bearing against the pressure plate’s fingers, cleanly disengaging the clutch so gears can be selected without drama.

As these Pathfinders use an integrated concentric slave cylinder and bearing, best practice during a clutch job is to replace the CSC/thrust-bearing at the same time as the clutch kit. It’s a gearbox‑out task, so saving a few dollars now can cost a lot more in labour later if the bearing starts making a racket or the CSC leaks. Always bleed the clutch hydraulics carefully afterwards with the correct brake fluid type specified by Nissan, and inspect the clutch master cylinder and line for any seepage that could aerate the system.

Common signs the thrust-bearing is on the way out include:

• A whirring, chirping or growling noise that changes when the clutch pedal is lightly pressed
• Notchy gear engagement or a clutch that won’t fully disengage
• Fluid loss or a soft pedal if the CSC is leaking

If any of the above crops up, keep driving to a minimum. Heat and metal debris from a failing bearing can damage the pressure plate and flywheel. When scheduling the job, it’s smart to bundle in a new clutch disc and pressure plate, machine or replace the flywheel if needed, and fit a new gearbox input shaft seal. Quality matters here—choose OE or reputable aftermarket components designed for the R51 diesel or petrol variant you have.

Because there’s no external fork on the CSC setup, there’s no cable or free-play to adjust. Once fitted, a proper bleed and a quick check of pedal feel is about all that’s required. With sensible driving and correct fluid, the new thrust-bearing should clock up many reliable kilometres.

Does an automatic 2009 Pathfinder have a thrust-bearing?

No. The auto uses a torque converter, so there’s no clutch release/thrust-bearing. The “thrust-bearing” term on autos typically refers only to internal transmission or engine thrust surfaces, which aren’t serviced like a clutch bearing.

What noise points to a failing thrust-bearing on a manual R51?

A light whir, chirp or growl that appears when the clutch pedal is slightly pressed—and often disappears when released—usually points to a worn release bearing. If the noise is present with the pedal up and vanishes when pressed, suspect the input shaft bearing instead.

Should the CSC be replaced with the clutch on a 2009 Pathfinder manual?

Yes. The CSC and thrust-bearing are one assembly. Replacing it with the clutch kit minimises the risk of leaks or bearing noise soon after a clutch-only job, and avoids paying labour twice.